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Sports Awards – Elite athlete humbled by Sportswoman of the Year Award – UoA
Source: University of Auckland (UoA)
Fresh from an outstanding season with the Black Ferns Sevens and the excitement of the 2025 Rugby World Cup, Theresa Setefano was humbled to receive Sportswoman of the Year and Most Meritorious Performance at the University of Auckland’s Blues Awards.
Setefano’s sporting success meant pivoting away from her Medical School studies after she was first contracted to the New Zealand Sevens in 2016, and named in the New Zealand Women’s Rugby World Cup squad the following year.
Having just returned from the United Kingdom back into the fold of family life with husband Ryan and fur baby Buzzy, a Pointer cross, her sights are set on completing a Bachelor of Health Science degree. The midfielder is just four papers away from graduating.
“It’s an honour,” she says of receiving the Blues Awards on 3 October. “Because I’ve been studying for so long, I thought the University would be getting sick of me,” she laughs and recalled swapping degrees as her rugby career took off. “I was very surprised.”
Setefano’s recent Rugby World Cup campaign in England was a rollercoaster.
“We didn’t come away with what we wanted, but we were grateful to play for bronze and w
in. That was special,” she reflects. “Sport teaches you it doesn't always go your way… it's not always gold medals and championships.
“But the saying, you learn more from your losses than your wins is 100 percent true. We learned a lot about the team and also about ourselves too,” she says emphasising a mindset on growth, not perfection.
“Every time the outcome doesn’t go your way, it’s the perspective that gets you through. It’s about resilience and remembering why you started. We are more than just rugby players.”
Her values of ‘family, love and faith’ have helped maintain the balance of competing in sport at the highest level while undertaking university studies.
“I’ve always wanted to change the statistics for Pacific health. I’ve seen older generations pass away earlier than other ethnicities. Through health science, I’ve learned how much influence your environment has on your well-being.
“Going to the doctor isn’t going to fix everything. Health is bigger than physical—it’s mental, spiritual, social. Models like Fonofale and Te Whare Tapa Whā really embody that.”
Setefano wants to use her experience and platform to inspire Pacific communities:
“Just because the stats show Pacific life expectancy is low, doesn’t mean that’s how it has to be. It’s about empowering our community that change is possible. There are barriers, financial and environmental, but we can find ways through.
“I want to share my journey as an athlete and show that behaviours and mindset affect health. It doesn’t mean everyone has to train like me—but small changes matter. I want Pacific people to know that better health is possible.”
She wants to tap into the natural resource of Pacific peoples — community.
“Pacific people are community-based. We love doing things together and that’s a strength we can use to change the narrative around health.”
For Setefano, rugby, study and service are all connected by one thread:
“Family and love. That’s why I do, what I do. My parents, grandparents, and the University have shaped me. Rugby has given me perspective. Now I want to give back.”
“My goal and my why in everything I do, is to always lead with love wherever we go. That comes from our upbringing, our culture, being Pacific, being Sāmoan women, being women of faith and everything we do, we always lead with love.”
Setefano acknowledged that some things were ‘easier said than done’ when it came to walking the talk.
“I can only control what I can control, so I always endeavour to lead with love, to spread joy wherever I go, and really just inspire and empower young people, to be their true selves.
“For me it comes from my faith. I know that God has a plan for me, that he's in control and so when I do get lost, or when I find it hard in certain situations, I turn to him.
“That’s what really helps me get through the hard times, as well as my family and my husband; they’re my anchors and so I just know everything will actually be okay.”
Reflecting on her journey, Setefano says rugby has built a strong foundation:
“I have learnt so much playing rugby—it has provided me with a lot of perspective and a lot of experiences. And also my upbringing, my parents, my grandparents—they have instilled in me strong values.
“The University has provided the education that I’m very passionate about, and all of that has gotten me to where I am today.”
Employment – Govt. attack on right to strike threatens fundamental workplace protections
Source: PSA
3,700 mental health workers continue strike action after Health NZ fails to table fresh offer
Health Minister Simeon Brown's suggestion that the right to strike for health workers may need to be curbed by a law change represents yet another assault on the fundamental rights of working New Zealanders.
The Minister's comment that 'changes to the law may have to be considered for life services' made in the lead-up to next week's strike action is a deeply troubling threat to withdraw one of workers' most basic protections, said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“The central tenet of employment relations in New Zealand is that terms and conditions of employment are agreed, not imposed.
“The Government has already stripped away pay equity rights for 180,000 workers, introduced docking of pay for partial strikes, and allowed Defence Force military personnel to replace striking civilian workers.
“Now it’s threatening to remove the right to strike altogether for health workers. Where does it end?
“The right to withdraw labour is a fundamental protection for working people, without it, the power imbalance between employers and workers is dangerously skewed.
“Instead of threatening workers' rights, the Government should focus on good faith bargaining and reaching fair agreements with health workers who are simply asking to be valued for the vital work they do, caring for New Zealanders.
“Agreement should remain the central focus of how employment relationships work in New Zealand. It would be a backwards step if the Government or the Courts could simply impose conditions on workers after industrial action.
“Health workers don't take strike action lightly. They're on the picket line because this Government refuses to negotiate in good faith or recognise the critical services they provide to New Zealanders every day.
“Just today PSA members who are mental health workers went back into bargaining, but Health NZ did not table a fresh offer leaving these 3,700 workers no choice but to continue strike action next Thursday.
“This is a problem of the Government’s own making reflecting the poor choices it has made to underfund the health system. All health workers deserve respect, fair pay, and the fundamental right to advocate for themselves and their patients.
“The PSA urges the Government to step back from this dangerous path and instead commit to genuine, good faith negotiations with health workers.”
The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand's largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.
Employment Action – Fire and Emergency received calls to 18 incidents during today’s strike
Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand
Fire and Emergency New Zealand received calls for 18 incidents between 12pm – 1pm today, Friday 17 October, the time of the strike action by members of the New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union (NZPFU).
Of these,10 incidents were in areas impacted by the strike.
Three of these incidents were motor vehicle crashes. The remaining incidents related to building alarms, which Fire and Emergency was alerted to through building alarm systems or 111 calls. None of these were confirmed fires.
Our volunteers responded as normal to incidents within their brigade areas.
Deputy National Commander Megan Stiffler thanked New Zealanders for their extra care during the strike hour.
“Thank you to our more than 11,000 volunteers across the country, and their employers for supporting them to respond over today’s strike hour.
“I would also like to thank our Operational Commanders and Communication Centre Managers, who contributed to the response.
“We are disappointed that the NZPFU has issued a further strike notice for another one-hour strike at 12pm on 31 October.
“I urge the NZPFU to withdraw this latest strike notice and not issue any more, so we can get back around the bargaining table while we wait for our application for facilitation to be considered.
“This is in the best interests of our people, and New Zealand’s communities.
“Fire and Emergency 's goal is, and has always been, to reach a fair, sustainable, and reasonable settlement with the NZPFU. We are bargaining in good faith and doing everything we can to achieve an agreement without disrupting the services communities rely on.”
Notes
1. Fire and Emergency New Zealand and the New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union have been negotiating a collective employment agreement for career firefighters since 16 July 2024.
2. Fire and Emergency has offered a 5.1 percent pay increase over the next three years, as well as increases to some allowances.
3. Fire and Emergency considers the offer is sustainable, balances cost of living pressures being faced by individuals alongside fiscal pressures faced by Fire and Emergency and is consistent with the Government Workforce Policy Statement.
4. The previous 2022 collective employment agreement settlement provided a cumulative wage increase of up to 24 percent over a three-year period for career firefighters.
5. Fire and Emergency has also been investing in replacing our fleet, with 317 trucks replaced since 2017 and another 78 on order. We are currently spending over $20 million per year on replacement trucks. There are also a significant programme of station upgrades underway, as well as investment in training.
6. For the 2025/26 financial year Fire and Emergency’s operating budget is $857.9 million. Of that operating budget, 59 percent will be spent directly on the frontline, while another 32 percent is spent on frontline enablers. This means that over 90 percent of Fire and Emergency’s budget is spent on the frontline and the people directly supporting the frontline.
Employment Action – Historic strikes to save our essential public services – NZNO
Source: New Zealand Nurses Organisation
Aotearoa New Zealand will witness historic events next Thursday when more than 100,000 essential workers take part in strikes around the country to call on the Coalition Government to properly fund their vital public services.
Essential public service workers including teachers, doctors, principals, nurses, allied health workers, home support workers, school support staff, policy, knowledge, advisory and specialist workers, Ministry of Education field staff and support workers will hold strikes on 23 October in the largest actions in decades. Meanwhile, firefighters are striking for one hour today.
The strikes by each workforce follow recent breakdowns in bargaining over their respective collective agreements. Events at more than 40 locations from Kaitaia to Invercargill have now been finalised.
NZEI Te Riu Roa teacher and negotiation team leader Liam Rutherford says everyone wants an education system that works for all tamariki and for the people who teach and support them.
“To have teachers, principals, support staff, as well as Ministry of Education support workers and field staff all striking, tells you how widespread the feeling is that change is needed in education,” he says.
Association of Salaried Medical Specialists (ASMS) spokesperson and Starship Hospital respiratory paediatric physician Dr Julian Vyas says the Government needs to realise how strongly public sector workers – from healthcare and other sectors – feel about the damage being done to services due to underfunding and lack of staffing.
“I think the New Zealand public will understand this strike action is about finding funding to provide the services that we all depend on and need to live healthy lives,” he says.
NZNO enrolled nurse and bargaining team member Debbie Handisides says nurses, midwives and health care assistants are being asked to care for more and more patients who are increasingly unwell with fewer and fewer staff.
“Staffing shortages put the safety of our patients at risk. When there aren’t enough nurses, care is delayed and lives are put in danger. This is not a standard of care we trained for or that New Zealanders deserve,” she says.
Public Service Assocation (PSA) president and digital service worker for Health NZ Virgil Iraia says he and his colleagues are striking for safe staffing and a fair pay offer which isn’t an effective pay cut.
“Overworked and undervalued health workers cannot keep delivering the care patients need and deserve,” he says.
PPTA Te Wehengarua president and teacher Chris Abercrombie says when public education is properly valued and resourced, it can welcome all learners, and provide them with a responsive, safe school environment.
“The Government must properly resource public education to ensure there are trained and qualified teachers in every classroom, and students have the support they need to thrive,” he says.
Firefighter and Tauranga Local Branch secretary for the New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union Mike Swanson says firefighters are striking for safe staffing levels so fire stations, trucks and call centres can remain fully staffed.
“We also need the protection of safe systems of work to ensure that equipment, uniforms and vehicles are appropriate for the risks we face. And when the worst happens, and our job gives us cancer, we want our management to support us in our push for ACC,” he says.
Awards – Electrify Queenstown 2025 event shortlisted for awards
Source: DESTINATION QUEENSTOWN & LAKE WĀNAKA TOURISM
Queenstown, New Zealand (17 October 2025) Electrify Queenstown has been shortlisted as a finalist in two categories of the inaugural Bizzies – Aotearoa Business Events Awards 2025.
Created and curated by Destination Queenstown, with support from Queenstown Business Chamber of Commerce and principal sponsor Aurora Energy, the Electrify Queenstown summit aims to innovate and inspire change in Queenstown Lakes and New Zealand.
It will return for its third year from 17-19 May 2026, bringing together industry leaders, innovators, politicians and policymakers to share practical, cost-effective ways for businesses and households to electrify.
Electrify Queenstown is a finalist in the Business Event Award for Legacy Impact (Organisation / Group) category and Excellence in Environmental Sustainability Award (Organisation / Group) category at the first Bizzies. The winners will be announced at a gala dinner in Auckland on Wednesday 26 November 2025.
Mat Woods, Chief Executive of Destination Queenstown and Lake Wānaka Tourism, says he's delighted the event has received early recognition.
“Electrify Queenstown has real momentum now – 2025 was our most energised event so far with hundreds of attendees, packed sessions and genuine interest from locals and visitors looking to make the switch and electrify their household or business.
“I'm proud of the team behind the event, who organised a truly inspiring three days and an ensemble of visionary speakers, who can provide a catalyst for change to lowering cost, low-emissions and resilient future. And the plan for 2026 is to go even bigger.”
Electrify Queenstown 2026 will take place at the Queenstown Events Centre, Sunday 17 May – Tuesday 19 May 2026.
The event supports Queenstown Lakes' destination management plan and the broader goal of regenerative tourism and a carbon-zero visitor economy by 2030.
Appointments – New appointment to Guardians Board
Source: Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation
Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation Chair John Williamson has welcomed the appointment of Andrew Wilson to the Guardians board, saying his global career in asset management and his leadership credentials would be a great asset to the Guardians, manager of the $85 billion New Zealand Superannuation Fund.
A graduate of Canterbury University, Andrew worked at the Reserve Bank of New Zealand, Bank of England and Rothschild Asset Management, before spending more than 25 years with Goldman Sachs Asset Management in the United Kingdom, where he was both Head of Fixed Income, Currency & Money Markets and CEO, Goldman Sachs Asset Management International.
“Andrew’s investment career and in particular his international leadership roles with Goldman Sachs Asset Management means he has had hands-on experience both in managing large portfolios across different markets and in oversight and governance of complex investment operations,” Mr Williamson said.
“That combination makes Andrew a very valuable addition to our Board.”
Read Acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop's announcement of Andrew's appointment on the Beehive website: https://nzsuperfund.cmail20.com/t/d-l-gyhlluk-hujkdust-n/
Child Poverty – End Benefit Sanctions To Give Families a Fair Chance
Source: Child Poverty Action Group
As the world turns its focus to social and institutional maltreatment, Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) is joining with other community groups to demand an end to the harmful practice of benefit sanctions.
October 17 marks the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, which this year highlights the need to end social and institutional maltreatment and ensure families living in poverty receive respect and effective support.
Right now, thousands of people in Aotearoa New Zealand are being sanctioned by the Ministry of Social Development. These sanctions reduce already inadequate incomes and punish families who are struggling to survive.
CPAG’s recent Below the Income Floor research shows that more and more households relying on income support are in deficit. That means their income is falling below the bare minimum needed to cover essentials, let alone to participate fully in society.
While the Government insists sanctions are about “compliance”, the facts tell a different story. Sanctions rose sharply in both the March and June 2025 quarters, even before the Social Security Amendment Act 2025 came into effect in May.
In reality, there are many reasons why someone might miss an MSD appointment, ranging from childcare, to health or transport issues, all made worse by the prolonged cost of living crisis. A Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) client had their benefit halved after they missed their Work and Income meeting due to their child being unwell.
Instead of recognising these barriers, the Government continues to punish families who are already doing it tough, despite the Government restating its commitment in May to the legislated 2028 goal of halving child poverty.
Right now, government agencies are developing proposals for the 2026 Budget. We call on them to take bold, principled action by putting people at the centre of their advice.
The Government has pinned its hopes on economic growth lifting people out of poverty. But the latest Stats NZ data shows the economy is contracting, unemployment is rising, and poverty indicators are worsening. Their approach is failing.
Not only is the Government off-track to meet its 2028 target, its decisions are enabling worsening food insecurity among children, more avoidable hospitalisations, and higher rates of material hardship than when child poverty indicators were first introduced in 2019.
Two years on from the last election, New Zealanders should be seeing results. Instead, we are seeing increased hardship. It is time for the Government to change course, and a good start would be to end sanctions and treat families receiving support with dignity.
Notes: The Fairer Future collaboration has consistently called for the elimination of benefit sanctions since May 2022. It has campaigned for a fairer welfare system, including updated liveable income benchmarks based on the Welfare Expert Advisory Group’s 2019 recommendations.
Fairer Future groups supporting this release:
Auckland Action Against Poverty (AAAP)
ActionStation
Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG)
Citizens Advice Bureau NZ
Disabled Persons Assembly
Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand
Methodist Alliance
New Zealand Council of Christian Social Services (NZCCSS)
United Community Action Network (UCAN).
Selected price indexes: September 2025 − Correction to annual and monthly percentage movements for food price index (FPI)
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Annual food prices increase 4.1 percent – Selected price indexes: September 2025 – Stats NZ news story and information release
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